In the Spotlight: Living, Breathing... YOGA
with Dorri Petterson
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EB: What inspired you to start your journey with yoga?
Dorri: I began practicing, as many people can probably relate, to manage stress and to drop a few pounds. EB: What have been the benefits of continued practice? Dorri: After consistent practice on my mat, I realized how much my ENTIRE life changed, for the better, OFF my mat. I began noticing benefits such as increased energy, better sleep, a natural sense of calm, more patience, and more acceptance and compassion for myself and others. EB: What can you suggest for deepening one’s yoga practice? Dorri: Deepening one’s asana (physical yoga poses) practice comes naturally when you become consistent in the practice of yoga. Your body and mind naturally become stronger. Yoga utilizes every single muscle in the human body. As you develop these muscles, use patience, and silence the ego; you begin to do things with your body and mind that you never thought possible. EB:What tips can you give for overcoming challenges in their practice? Dorri: The top 5 things I always use to get me through hurdles and challenges as I continue to deepen my asana practice are: 1. Use your breath, silence your mind and focus. 2. The ego is the part that tells you that you can't do something. Because, honestly, you can. 3. Baby steps and holding for even a millisecond totally counts as getting in to a pose. 4. Engage as many muscles as you physically can. 5. Have fun! EB: What does it mean to “live yoga”? Dorri: As you continue a practice in yoga you begin to understand that yoga is not just about the hour or so you spend in class. Yoga is the study and awareness of the self. Yoga is a journey of silencing the ego-mind so you are able to get to know your inner self, source, the divine. Yoga is consciously living and tapping into the unconditional love that you are made of. Yoga is a journey, yoga is a practice, yoga is learning how to shine the light within just a little bit brighter so you can lead the way for others. Yoga is lived both on and off your mat. |
